‘The Last of the Mohicans' will be shown on outdoor screen

Friday

Jun 7, 2013 at 4:00 AM

By Katie WinklerTimes-News Correspondent

CHIMNEY ROCK-- Atop Exclamation Point, the highest point in Chimney Rock State Park, Matt Popowski, public relations and special events manager, points to the old, narrow Cliff Trail, made famous as the location for one of the most dramatic scenes in the 1992 film "The Last of the Mohicans."From this viewpoint, where peregrine falcons are now regularly sighted, longtime fans and newcomers can gain a new appreciation for the film that will be shown on a 35-foot screen during the second annual Movie on the Meadows, beginning at dusk on June 15. Standing in this spot, it is easy to understand why director Michael Mann chose the area for filming his fourth feature film, which starred Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeline Stowe. Mann's requirements, explains Popowski, were that the area look as pristine and undeveloped as Upstate New York in the 18th century, yet have the accessibility needed for making a major motion picture, including access roads used to bring in equipment and supplies. The 26-story elevator leading up to the trailheads helped with getting equipment to filming locations, but filming on the narrow trails, slippery rocks and steep cliffs proved difficult as Stowe, who played Cora Munro, recalled in a 2005 interview. "The location was very difficult to get to," she said, "I recall rock-climbing a good deal of the way in that long skirt, and I felt terrible for the crew members who had to haul the heavy equipment." During an event last year commemorating the movie's 20th anniversary, Mann also commented on the physical demands of the film. "Everybody was in the best shape of their lives," he said, calling the film a "massive operation."Mann was especially impressed with the lengths Day-Lewis went to in preparation for the demanding role of Hawkeye. "Daniel is athletic as a long-distance runner," Mann said. "He'll get up in the morning and do 10, 15, 16 miles. But he had no upper body development, and so he took six, seven months to put on all that weight. And the ambition for Daniel and myself was to have him acquire all the skill sets that Daniel Boone would have had."Many longtime employees who were working at the park during the filming still tell how Day-Lewis immersed himself in the role, living in the wilderness of North Carolina before filming began and carrying a rifle slung over his shoulders at all times, always maintaining character. All the work resulted in dramatic cinematic footage that could never have been obtained in a studio.Looking down on the Cliff Trail, fans of the movie will recognize the narrow trail where Uncas (Eric Schweig), the handsome and brave Mohican warrior, fights for his beloved Alice (Jodhi May). Hikers can also see the location across the gorge from the park where the filmmakers recreated a Huron village that allowed for spectacular views of the gorge's namesake — Hickory Nut Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi.Particularly meaningful this year are memories of Russell Means, who died last October from cancer. Means, a longtime activist for Native American causes, was cast as Chingachgook, the last of the Mohicans, who avenges his son against the Huron warrior Magua played by Wes Studi during the climactic final 17 minutes of the movie. Popowski will be leading hikes to view these and other important vistas related to the film at 3:15 and 4:45 p.m. June 15, at no additional charge with paid park admission. Hikers can also view the original costume worn by Day-Lewis as well as photographs and other memorabilia related to the making of the film. A rock slide in November has temporarily closed the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, but fans of the falls can get a glimpse from the town of Chimney Rock along Highway 64. Reservations for the hikes are first-come, first-serve and can be made the day of the event by signing up in the Sky Lounge Gift Shop beginning at 1 p.m. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the moderate to strenuous hike.The park will close to regular visitors at 7:30 p.m., allowing for those attending the movie to begin parking. Attendees are encouraged to arrive from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the pre-show entertainment and movie screening from 9 to 11 p.m. Moviegoers are welcome to bring picnics, but as Chimney Rock is now a state park, no alcoholic beverages are allowed. Concessions will be available. Advance parking tickets are available for $9 at the Lake Lure Ingles store through June 14. Movie on the Meadows is a unique way to enjoy the beauty of the Hickory Nut Gorge and one of North Carolina's newest state parks. As Popowski says, "Hundreds of people travel to Chimney Rock from around the world every year to see where ‘The Last of the Mohicans' was filmed. For many fans, watching their favorite movie at our park will be a dream come true."

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